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Scandinavia's largest development programme

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RiverCity Gothenburg is the largest urban development programme in Scandinavia. Over the next few decades, development is planned over buildable land spanning five million m2 on either side of the river.

Combining political objectives with the contribution of commercial developers, this massive venture involves lively dialogue with local residents.

Adopted by Gothenburg City Council in 2012, Vision RiverCity has since played a leading role in the development of the city centre. The vision is based on two years’ extensive dialogue and brainstorming involving local residents and representative of municipal administrations, companies, industry and academia.

The vision’s three strategies – Connect the city, Embrace the water and Reinforce the centre – envisage an inclusive, green and dynamic Gothenburg where the city centre extends across the river, people come closer to the water and development boosts the entire region.

With construction planned in such large areas right in the city centre, RiverCity is a unique project. There are plans to build 25,000 new residences and 45,000 new workplaces across these districts, which will see central Gothenburg double in size.

Here are the seven districts identified to realise the RiverCity vision, transforming Gothenburg into a sustainable city – open to the world.

Backaplan 2010–2035: Backaplan will be transformed from a retail park with large concrete expanses into a green, dense, vibrant urban environment, with the area playing a vital role in uniting the city across the river.

Central Station area 2016–2035: Development of the Central Station area involves creation of a dense inner-city environment including 2,000 residences, 16,000 new jobs, green spaces, cultural attractions and vibrant street life.

Frihamnen 2017–2035: Frihamnen will be developed into a dense inner-city district forming part of Gothenburg city centre. Development of a wide range of housing, businesses and a new park is planned, with the area set to be home to around 15,000 people, with the same number working.

Gullbergsvass 2020–2050: A key hub in the heart of the region, Gullbergsvass unites five districts around the water. There are plans to house 15,000 – with a further 15,000 working – in the area, which spans land equivalent to 200 football pitches.

Lindholmen 2000–2035: Defined by Lindholmen Science Park and a series of technology firms, Lindholmen will be reinforced by 450 apartments in Lindholmshamnen and the Karlavagnen district, including residences, offices, retail, services and Karlatornet, 266 metres tall.

Södra Älvstranden 2013–2030: Södra Älvstranden is one of West Sweden’s most exciting future areas. In an area spanning 0.5 km2, just over 500,000 m2 of land is earmarked for development – primarily housing and offices.

Ringön 2020–2035: At Ringön, various businesses currently exist side by side. This diversity will be utilised and reinforced. The long-term aim is to transform Ringön into an area combining a range of businesses, services and residential housing.